Obituary: James “Jay” Bodnar, 47

Born in Rahway, Jay resided in Clark before moving to Old Bridge ten years ago. He attended Arthur L. Johnson High School graduating in 1983. Jay was a loving son, brother and uncle, and was especially fond of his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He had a love for animals, especially his black lab, Merlin. Jay took great pride in his labs, beginning with his previous dog Calvin whom he cared and loved for 14 years before Merlin.

Jay is survived by his parents John (former Clark 4th Ward Councilman) and Barbara Bodnar of Monroe Township; his brothers and sisters-in-law, John (former Clark 4th Ward Councilman) and Karen Bodnar of Madison, Glenn and Suzanne Bodnar of Spring Lake Heights; his loving nieces and nephews, John W., Jacqueline, Mollie, Cooper, Harrison; and his beloved black lab Merlin.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, January 3 from 3-6 p.m. at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516 (Old Bridge Matawan Road), Old Bridge. A memorial mass will be held on Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Old Bridge at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Old Bridge Animal Shelter, 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. To send online condolences, view photos and directions, visit www.oldbridgefh.com